General licence chaos cost BASC respondents £29 million, new infographic reveals
Ninety-nine per cent of respondents reported damage, loss or risk.
Help us help you on general licences
BASC is urging members to take two key steps to inform Defra of the chaos caused by Natural England’s decision to withdraw three general licences for the control of pest birds in England.
People can email Defra direct to outline how they have been affected and can also complete a short online survey set up by BASC.
BASC chief executive Ian Bell said: “We need you to help us fight for a common sense approach to bird pest control in England.
We want a general licences system that is fit for purpose so that you can have the confidence that you are acting lawfully. We need your help in two ways and there is no time to waste.”
After intense lobbying by BASC and other rural organisations, Defra has taken over decision making on general licences from Natural England. Defra now wants to hear evidence from people that have been affected by the withdrawal of the three main bird pest control general licences (GL04, GL05 and GL06) for England on 25 April.
Email your views to glevidence@defra.gov.uk by 5pm on Monday 13 May.
Click here for more information on the call for evidence.
Mr Bell added: “The other way people can help is by helping us to make our case by taking part in our five minute survey. We will be providing Defra with a detailed submission and we have a launched this survey to gather the evidence we think will help influence decision makers.”
Click here to complete the survey
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BASC flags up general licence concerns to Michael Gove
Environment secretary reiterated the importance of contributing to the Defra review.
Conditions to remain the same as GL43 is renewed
BASC is advising members that there are no substantial changes to the conditions of the new licence, although there is additional clarification around the consenting process.
